Working in areas prone to explosive and combustible gases, such as hydrogen, methane, propane, and other hydrocarbons, is fraught with danger. A significant number of South African employees are injured or even killed in such hazardous environments. Implementing safety lighting solutions, such as Explosion Proof / Resistant LEDs, is therefore essential and mandated by law to maintain safety.
Those working in confined spaces, such as tanks, vents, pipelines, sewers, tank cars and manholes, are at risk when using conventional illumination devices. Certain lighting equipment can cause explosions by igniting flammable gases, vapors, particles or fibers, which can ignite an explosive chain reaction or a fire. This risk extends to industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, textile and agricultural processing, not just confined spaces. They are at risk due to standard duty illumination, as standard electrical equipment such as switches and relays may spark when in use.
Explosion Proof LED Lights are designed to encase potential sources of spark within a durable housing material, typically aluminum, in order to prevent detonation. If you're wanting to upgrade the lighting you currently have in a hazardous location, LED lights are an excellent option. Not only are they more environmentally responsible, but also cost-effective and one of the safest lighting options currently available.
Here are seven essential aspects of Explosion Proof LED Lighting that you absolutely need to know:
The term "Explosion Proof" does not imply that the light source (LED or otherwise) cannot ignite. Rather, it indicates that spark-prone components are encased in explosion-resistant containers capable of repeatedly confining ignition, thereby preventing external propagation. Moreover, "explosion-proof" does not guarantee that your LEDs will survive an explosion; it merely indicates that they will not cause an external explosion.
Explosion Proof LEDs are resilient and robust. In conventional hazardous area illumination, fragile fluorescent or incandescent bulbs are utilized. Even though these are not a fire hazard, they pose a threat in confined spaces due to the risk of injury from fragmentation or inhalation of toxic fumes. LEDs are typically more durable due to the use of heat-resistant materials and tempered glass, rendering them non-hazardous, long-lasting, and free of hazardous substances.
LEDs are remarkably energy-efficient. They utilize up to 90% of the energy for light production with negligible heat or conversion loss, thereby consuming considerably less electricity. This energy efficiency can lead to cost savings and encourage profitable, environmentally sustainable operations.
LEDs are versatile due to their modular construction. They can be combined to increase or decrease light emissions in accordance with desired light levels, thereby providing a variety of options. They can adapt to existing access points in order to save energy and money.
Explosion-Proof Lights are universally categorized by ratings and zones, which engineers, architects, and electricians use to determine the optimal placement and operating conditions. Verify Certifications: Class I, Division 1, Class I Division 2 and Zones 0, 1, and 2. It's critical that you now what standards you must adhere to when ordering your explosion proof lights to ensure that you are both compliant and that their use will be safe.
Explosion-Proof LEDs are economically viable. Given their longer lifespan, negligible need for replacement bulbs, and minimal energy consumption, they are a cost-effective investment.
Long-Term Expenditure: The majority of LED lights have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours, making them the most dependable and effective illumination solution for hazardous areas, regardless of space or industry.
Do you have any questions about hazardous area lighting, LED lighting that is explosion-proof, or LEDs in general? Please feel free to request a quotation or contact us directly.
13Jun